Thomas Alfred Reft

Thomas “Tommy” Alfred Reft, 62 years of age and a resident of Oxnard, California passed in the comfort of his family and home, peacefully on Saturday, December 5th, 2009 at 4:55 pm after a vailaint and courageous fight with cancer. Born on August 14, 1947 in Kodiak, Alaska, Tom was the son of the Albert Reft and Tina Veenstra. He grew up in Kodiak Alaska and was one of ten brothers and sisters: Jon, Carolyn, Darlene, Marlene, Albertha, Albert, Thelma, Charlie, and Edward. From a young age, he was very active in sport s and outdoor activities. A life long Laker fan, It was in high school where Tommy developed an affinity for the game of basketball and for sport. He was a member of his high school basketball team and dabbed in many other athletics for leisure. He also had an attachment to nature and especially the ocean. He worked as a skiff man on a commercial fishing boat through his younger ages and told stories of catching Alaskan salmon and king crab. He was also a cook at his uncle’s restaurant – The Polar Bear Café in Kodiak. He later worked on the Alaskan pipeline as a pay roll worker and soon after enrolled as a member of the US Army, where he served for four years as a Seargent stationed in Ft. Lewis, Washington. Tom met his wife, Grace, in Fairbanks and after dating for several months they moved to Oxnard California on tour with her travelling band. Tom and Grace were married on January 3, 1977. It was in Oxnard where Tom built his family life with Grace. He converted as a member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, Church of Christ. Tom spent the rest of his life as a devoted and loving member of the Church – well rooted in his faith with God. It was in the Church that Tom established life long friendships with new family and friends. He thrived in the brotherhood of the Church and found new life in it. He could often be seen mowing the lawns, playing pick up basketball, or just helping out in any way he could. Brother Tom, as many in the church referred to him, will be remembered for his genuine concern and kind heartedness for all. His infectious smile and unique high five greetings ar were a staple for the congregation. He had a unique gift of making everyone feel special, loved, and involved whether it was a nickname he gave you or a specific joke/statement he would always say or refer to. He had a genuine zest for life and was loved by all. Tom is survived by: his loving wife, Gracella C. Reft , children Daniel, Charlette, Cheryll and Alfred. Siblings: Jon, Carolyn, Albertha, Albert and Charlie. He is predeceased by parents Albert and Tina and siblings Darlene, Marlene, Thelma and Edward.